Fireworks, music and dance mark ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 opening ceremony

New Zealand and Australia have had the honor of hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup mega event after 23 years, when in 1992 the Imran Khan led Pakistan took home the cup. twenty-three three years on, 14 different cricket teams from across the world are yet again vying for the prize, in New Zealand/Australia.

A video backstage was filmed, capturing most of the cricketing captains as they arrived backstage. Aussie captain Michael Clarke seemed the cheeriest, smiling ear to ear and cracking jokes. Dhoni smiled towards the camera as Pakistan’s very own Misbah Ul Haq waved to the rotating camera, his trademark sheepish smile captured by the camera.

A few of the @CricketWorldCup captains have arrived at the #CWC15 Opening Ceremony! https://t.co/ngp5kuU7xS

— ICC (@ICC) February 12, 2015

The ceremony was awe inspiring and one that highlighted diverse cultures. Different cultural activites were performed that captured the participating nation’s uniqueness and diversity. Maori warriors, dressed in their cultural feathered clothing, paid their respects to the mega event. A bunch of Indian artists took the stage and engrossed everyone with their dance. Pakistani artists also boarded the stage and sang local songs of the country.
The highlight of the night, however, was the giant puppet that was controlled on-stage by a group of people. A batsman, padded as well as wearing the helmet, swung his bat whilst the announcer narrated Dhoni’s famous world cup winning six, four years ago against Sri Lanka. As the puppets bat swung towards the crowd, a plethora of fireworks burst into the sky, illuminating the night.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 was indeed collectively a mesmerizing experience. Let’s hope we get our share of sixes, fours and wickets to witness a historic event. To the victor, goes the spoils!